Ski



Aug. 10 1926. 1,595,632

R. C. TAFT SKI Filed Dec. 2. 1924 'INVENTOR Raymond C. 72ft B) K ATTORNE Patented Aug. 10, 1926.

oarrsn ism-res RAYMOND C. TAIET, OF WALLINGFOR-D, VERMONT, ASSIGNOR TO THE AMERICAN FORK & HOE COMPANY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

SKI.

Application filed December Skis a fiat strip of wood that forms the runner, such strip having one end,the forward end having regard to the direction in which the ski is moved in use,-bent to form an upwardly curved toe. The construction of the ski thus out of an integral strip of wood involves not only several special operations in the forming and bending of the toe, but also presents the difiiculty that the bent toe portion under conditions of use is apt to change its curvature, and in case the toe is broken, this being the most vulnerable part, the entire ski has to be thrown away.

My present improvement has as its object the provision of a detachable toe for a ski which will be made of metal and so is adapted permanently to retain its form, while at the sametime it is much less liable to be broken or damaged than an integral wooden toe. My improved construction of ski presents the further advantage that should the straight runner portion become broken, or should it be desirable for any reason to change the length of the ski, this may be readily accomplished by detaching the toe from one runner and attaching it to another. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawing and the following description setting forth in detail certain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawing Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a ski embodying my present improved construction; Fig. 2 is'a top plan view of the detachable toe piece that forms a feature of such ski; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of such toe piece; Fig'. & is a rear elevation thereof, i. e. as viewed from the left in Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 is a transverse section taken on the plane indicated by the line 5-5, Fig. 3.

The body 1 of the ski, as already indicated, is similar to the straight body portion of the ordinary all-wood ski, consisting, as shown in Fig. 1, of an elongated strip of wood which may vary thickness, being its ordinarily constructed consist of 2, 1924. Serial No. 753,455.

somewhat thinner at each end than at an intermediate point where the foot of the user is designed to rest. At this point a toe strap 2 is secured in the usual manner and a pad 30f rubber or like material is attached to the upper face of the body to prevent the foot from slipping.

To the forward end of such body portion is detachably secured the toe piece 5 of present interest. This toe piece is made of metal, preferably in the form of a casting, and aluminum or an equivalent light metal alloy will preferably oe used. ihe upwardly curved portion of the toe piece is solid and may terminate in an ornamental tip 6, while the rear portionls flat and hollow, as best shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. Such rear portion is furthermore formed both sented when the toe piece is fitted on the body portion. In order to hold the toe piece in place, several small screws 9 are employed on each side of the recess 7. fit is insured between the toe piece and the forward end of the body portion of my improved ski, such toe piece may nevertheless be readily removed by taking out the screws 9 and fitted to another body portion. Thus, if the body of a particular ski is broken or outgrown, a new body may be substituted at considerably less expense than it would cost to provide an entire new ski, the expensive part of the ski, as at present made, being the integrally formed wooden toe. At the same time by providing a metal toe, there is much less danger of the latter being broken in use, and where made of light metal fashioned in the manner described, the added weight, if any, is inconsequential.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanism herein disclosed, rovided the means stated by any of the While a tight tollowin claims or the eouivalent oi": such a r stated means be employed.

1 therelore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention 1. In a ski, the combination with a be 1 portion of wood, of an upwardly curving metal toe piece detachably secured to the forward end oi said body portion, said toe piece having a hollow portion formed with a recess in at least one wall, and the said wood body being fitted therein.

2. In a ski, the combination with a body portion of wood, of an upwardly curving metal toe piece detachably secured to the forward end of said body portion, said too RAYMOND C. 

